Pat's Schoolhouse

[bees]

hi, saw this thread and just wanted to comment on the school. my daughter has been in pats arena for a couple of years now. we visited a few daycare in the west and pat’s was the best. the ratio was like 1:3 at the time. the principal back then (think christina) was quite nice too. pretty laid back and don’t come on as a money minded person. it has changed a lot since then. now, the new principal (chen) tells me that she is planning a ratio of 1:10 for the toddlers. she is pretty talkative (sometimes over talkative) and she sounds to me more like a business woman than a kindergarten principal. the teachers behaviour have also deteriorated (think they can’t cope with so many students) and my daughter has had few ‘accidents’ at the playground. everyday she comes home with bruises to her legs and one time the teacher even dared to ask me what happened to her leg (implicating i hit my own daughter). my daughter is still at pats but i am now thinking whether it is worth it to send my toddler as well.

[toddles]

bees:

hi, saw this thread and just wanted to comment on the school. my daughter has been in pats arena for a couple of years now. we visited a few daycare in the west and pat's was the best. the ratio was like 1:3 at the time. the principal back then (think christina) was quite nice too. pretty laid back and don't come on as a money minded person. it has changed a lot since then. now, the new principal (chen) tells me that she is planning a ratio of 1:10 for the toddlers. she is pretty talkative (sometimes over talkative) and she sounds to me more like a business woman than a kindergarten principal. the teachers behaviour have also deteriorated (think they can't cope with so many students) and my daughter has had few 'accidents' at the playground. everyday she comes home with bruises to her legs and one time the teacher even dared to ask me what happened to her leg (implicating i hit my own daughter). my daughter is still at pats but i am now thinking whether it is worth it to send my toddler as well.

Yah, somehow the impression I get from cc franchises is that some owners are more concerned with profits than education...

thanks for sharing...

[izu]

foreverj:

hi izu


as parents, we may be attracted by brand new facilities at first glance. but at the very heart of a good cc, are actually the teachers, the curriculum and the beliefs and values of the owner which surprisingly does permeate thru the teachers to the students.

i have not been to the facilities of Pat's alth my dd attends an associate school. but to me, so long as they are safe and provides the basic things like space to run and cycle, sand pit, water play - mainly for the younger ones like toddlers, it is sufficient. i believe pat's curriculum should require amenities for these basic stuff.

MOE may be implementing new project concept but do understand what MOE implements wil likely filter to the kindergarten and for cc, they wil likely start with govt-related cc like ntuc childcare (my first skool). pat's is a private school and can jolly well choose not to follow suit. in any case, MOE usually gives a very general guideline and its very much up to the various schools (with their own curriculum specialists n teachers) to come up with their own unique curriculum.

understand mindchamps is great at advertising and marketing themselves. the team of specialists they have also come with credible background. but they r new n teachers take time to fine-tune the curriculum and lessons. for new teachers, worse, they need time to gain experience at what they do. ultimately remember teachers r the ones who r most in contact with your kids.

ultimately u need to listen to your heart and gut in deciding which school is the most suitable for your child. even after u enrol, continue to monitor. u can always change subsequently if u feel the school is not what it appears to be.

Thx for sharing. shall certainly take note.

[smurfy]

Full Day timetable


any mummies who put their kiddos in Pat’s Full day, would you please share with me their full day timetable?

There was a sudden change of plan and i will be putting my boy there full day, starting in april. HB talked with teacher this morning, teacher okay, principal okay. Teacher even said can start tomorow.

What do I need to bring for full day? How many sets of clothes? Bed sheets? Diapers?

Argghh… suddenly soo sudden.

[foreverj]

hi smurfy


how old is your son? for very young kids like toddlers, maybe bring two sets of clothes - one for after outdoor (in case they play with water) and one for after bath. bedsheets - school should have. but u need to pay for it. diapers- maybe three or four if your child is stil young? bring more never mind.

anyway good for u to be in touch with the school to discuss your questions and concerns. anyway u wil be paying them their full fees plus registration and insurance etc b4 starting.

[smurfy]

forever


he's 3 this year.. in the play group. he's currently with their half day morning.. i usually bring in one extra set of clothes (used onli when there is water play on wed)

kekkee how to ask the teacher when the teacher say can start tomorow?

how long is the nap time? they bath then nap? napping wear what? and where?

me thinkinig of lettin him go in on wednesday. :P...

still must pay registration fees for full day? i tot just top up from the half day's payment?

[foreverj]

sorry i didn't know he's currently on half day. if u r already a parent, surely it should be easier for u to communicate with the principal, or teacher-in-charge for your son?


i tot it's \"neater\" to start form 1 apr. but maybe they only require a top-up from u...they likely wil give u some forms to fill to change to full-day cos the subsidy may be diff if u r working mum.

go call up the school to clarify your questions ya? dun be shy since u paying so much

[DC Mummy]

Hi Smurfy


Nice to know that your son is in the same branch as mine. Believe you already have the morning activities time table, below is the afternoon activities for playgroup :-

1.00-1.45 pm Nap Time
2.45-3.00 pm Teabreak (snack)
3.00-5.00pm as follow :-
Eng Story (Mon)
Chinese Story (Tue)
Music & Dance (Wed)
Art & Craft (Thurs)
PE/Cookery (Fri)

For fullday program, the school should provide you a list of items to bring. Items like towel+ one set of new clothing for changing after shower. These toddlers will have their lunch first before they bath. Plus one milk powder for consumption before their nap. 2 diaper pants for changing as well.

Bring in the sleeping bag every monday and will need to bring back every Friday. It consist of bedsheet, blanket, pillow, bolster.

Every Wed, they will have waterplay and was informed by the teacher that parents need to bring swimsuit for the day. Not sure whether is your child share the same waterplay day as mine. It is better that you confirm with the teacher in charge as there are 4 playgroup classes there, so timing / day for activities may not be the same.

[smurfy]

dc mummy


thanks for the timetable.. i wrote one whole page into the communication book and also asked for the timtable

err for sleeping bag, bedsheets (adult single bed type?), pillow n bloster (adult or kiddy type?) <- what if he dun use the adult big bloster at home? if i bring his smelly pillow, he lost it how? (it's with him since the day he's boRn).. he oso dun use blanket kekeke

towel is everyday bring new piece or?

My child water play is also on wednesdays ~!~!~ (but it's in morning).

i was told that he will join another class for afternoon session.... (currently onli another girl from his playgrp joining afternoon session. the rest all moRning only)... may i know the class size of the afternoon session for ur kiddo's nursery 1? are there 2 teachers as well?

[smurfy]

DC Mummy

wat happens if the child cannot / is not able to sleep in school?